Droylsden born defender Phil Picken has agreed terms with the Shakers and has put pen to paper on a 12 month contract at Gigg Lane.

24 year old Phil Picken joined Manchester United as a junior and rose through the ranks to become an important member of the Red Devils reserve team that won the quadruple in 2005.Unfortunately, Phil never quite made it as far as the first team and was sent out on loan to Chesterfield on 18 August 2005 until the end of the season.

The loan move to Saltergate proved to be a good foundation as following his release from Old Trafford he signed a permanent deal for the Spireites.Pick made 37 appearances for Chesterfield during the 08/09 season and was suddenly loaned out to Notts County where he took part in another 22 games.

A change in management at Chesterfield though brought his Chesterfield career to a halt and he was released at the end of the 09/10 season.  Phil joined the Shakers mid way through pre-season training and impressed many during his time here.  A player that can play at right or left back, and in central midfield, Phil has been given the number 2 shirt for his stay at Gigg Lane.

With over 160 appearances to his name, Phil will be looking to establish himself into the Gigg Lane side as soon as possible